Triumphrat

Iggy762 · 08-17-2006

So my rear tire is leaking air...and quiet a bit too. About 10 - 15 psi if left overnight at 37psi. I only reliazed it after 2 - 3 short trips.
Today I found the leak...its a super tiny hole in one of the groves near the center of the tire.

Here is some other info....
-The tire has Fix-a-Flat in it from the previous owner (maybe this is the same hole, doubtful).
-I have probably rode on the tire a few times with less an optimal air. :hammer:
-The tire is pretty much still new.....at least 2,000mi left on it.

-I have a Pirelli Diablo Corsa III due to arrive this Saturday or Monday. :-D

So I have a few options:
-Patch it
-Toss it
-Put on the new one, keep the old one as a spare

Thoughts? Either way hopefully the new one will be in by Saturday.

Thanks!

[ This message was edited by: Iggy762 on 2006-08-17 18:51 ]

Haddi-Man · 08-17-2006

Well, I guess that depends on how comfortable you are with the thought of possibly sliding down the freeway when your tire ruptures. As you start to wear it down, if it already has two points of failure it's that much more likely to fail catastrophically. Personally, I would throw the tire out and put on the Pirelli. Squeezing those last 2000 miles out of the tire will save you, what, $50 maybe? If it were for a car, I'd say what the heck, keep it on there a little longer. On a bike, though, your life is riding on those tires. I say chuck 'em out and not have to worry about it. :hammer:

steventhechef · 08-17-2006

If it's an original Bridgestone, I would say to take the opportunity and dump it, especially as your new rubber is on the way.

If it's a reasonable tyre whatever the case I would ask the tyre experts about patching it (if they deem it safe to do so), but I wouldn't plug it (ever). IMHO

There is only a small (albeit very important) bit of black rubber on the road at any one given time.

Even as cheap as I can be, I do not take risks with my black bits... :wink:

My $0.02 (AUD) worth a bit more on the market today

Iggy762 · 08-17-2006

Quote:

On 2006-08-17 18:51, steventhechef wrote:
If it's an original Bridgestone, I would say to take the opportunity and dump it, especially as your new rubber is on the way.

If it's a reasonable tyre whatever the case I would ask the tyre experts about patching it (if they deem it safe to do so), but I wouldn't plug it (ever). IMHO

There is only a small (albeit very important) bit of black rubber on the road at any one given time.

Even as cheap as I can be, I do not take risks with my black bits... :wink:

My $0.02 (AUD) worth a bit more on the market today

Point taken on both replies. The tire is a Diablo Strada...like I said, almost brand new.

I kinda doubt the shop will want to patch it with the fix-a-flat in it. But we'll see. I think I need to go get some Slime (for emergencies)....heard that stuff is easier to remove.

[ This message was edited by: Iggy762 on 2006-08-17 18:58 ]

ST-ern · 08-17-2006

Fix-a-flat is what, some kind of (once) liquid sealant?

Whatever, patching from the inside is an expert job and they can advise.

In my state it's illegal to have more than two patches - and by patch I mean the kind of mushroom thing with a stem that is pulled from inside to outside, glued and trimmed.

miker · 08-17-2006

Fix a Flat is OK for short term, but is more useful in a tubed tyre and can make the rubber deteriorate.

IF it was me, I'd remove the tyre and see whether I could remove the gunk, then have a professional mushroom plug it. They are very safe, almost as safe as no plug. If you can't remove the gunk, or there are signs of deterioration on the inside of the case, chuck it.

I've also seen tyres, especially on courier bikes with up to six rope plugs. These I've also used, but will not travel over 140kph, which I rarely do anyway. SOME say, they are very safe when put in correctly.

Up to you of course, depends on your sense of adventure!

Mick

steventhechef · 08-17-2006

I kinda doubt the shop will want to patch it with the fix-a-flat in it. But we'll see. I think I need to go get some Slime (for emergencies)....heard that stuff is easier to remove

I have heard of the instant fat fix losing it ability to hold after an (unknown) period of time and going flat quickly (20-30 seconds). :???:

FWIW I would prefer the permanent fix as opposed to something that may let me down. As I have said "I am cheap but I try not to let the eeijot side of me come out in public"

[ This message was edited by: steventhechef on 2006-08-20 16:50 ]

stevecro · 08-18-2006

I got a nail in my tyre with only 2,000kms on it just after I purchased the bike.

The last thing I wanted was to fork out for a new one at that stage so , as it was a rear, I decided to plug it myself. As it was I got 15,500 kms out of that tyre without a drama and without losing air so it worked out in my favour.

Doubtful I would have done that if it was the front tyre though.
However I did come away with the feeling those plugs work really well.

dolson · 08-18-2006

It's your butt. As you can see, there are several opinions. Personally, it's been repaired? once and it won't heal itself. I wouldn't fool with it.

Don

Iggy762 · 08-18-2006

Yea it's been 'repaired', but I was wondering if ran over something myself. The only real reason I'm thinking about patching is because the hole isn't on the tread....it technically is, but sits in those (rain?) grooves.

Just hoping the tire comes in by weekend.